The Importance of Summer Skincare for Seniors: Tips and Best Practices

As the summer sun continues to shine brightly, it brings plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, however, for seniors, the increased sun exposure and heat can pose unique challenges for skin health. At Heather Glen Senior Living, we understand the importance of skincare during the summer months to ensure our residents stay healthy, comfortable and enjoy the season to its fullest, so read on to learn more about why summer skincare is crucial for seniors and some essential tips to maintain healthy skin. 

Why summer skincare is important for seniors

Summer skincare is especially important for our older loved ones due to several factors that make their skin more vulnerable during the warmer months. Aging skin becomes thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to sunburn, irritation and damage from UV rays, and this increased sensitivity makes it especially important to take precautions in order to prevent long-term harm. 

Dehydration is also a significant concern for seniors, as they are more prone to it, and hot weather can further increase this risk. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin, which can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to further complications, so ensuring that your older loved ones are drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. 

Additionally, some pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can often worsen with increased sun exposure and heat, and the flare-ups of these conditions can be more severe, making it essential to manage sun exposure carefully. Seniors may also be taking medications that can potentially increase sensitivity to the sun, raising the risk of sunburn and skin damage, so understanding these medication side effects and taking preventative measures can do a lot to help protect their skin in the summertime.  

Essential summer skincare tips for seniors

Summer skincare for seniors requires careful attention in order to protect and nourish the skin, and a crucial step is using sunscreen daily. Seniors should opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher—applying it generously to all exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears and hands and reapplying it every two hours to maintain protection as best as possible. 

Staying hydrated is another vital aspect of summer skincare, and by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, your older loved ones will be able to keep their skin hydrated from within. Clothing can be another important factor for providing coverage against the sun, with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats being the best to wear throughout the day—especially between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest. If you do feel yourself getting overheated during the summer months, taking cool showers or baths can help soothe the skin.

While the summer season is full of enjoyment, the dangers of the sun shouldn’t be overlooked, and monitoring skin changes is crucial for early detection of skin cancer or other conditions. Regularly checking for new or changing spots, moles or lesions and consulting a healthcare provider if any are found can ensure timely and effective treatment. 

Stay sun-safe at Heather Glen Senior Living

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents, especially during the hot summer months, and by following these essential skincare tips, seniors can enjoy the sunshine safely and keep their skin healthy and protected. If you’d like to learn more about our work at Heather Glen Senior Living or want to visit the area, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today.